Does She Really Need Naps?!

We have been asked by a few people whether Minlan really needs a daily nap as she is almost 4 years old.  She has seemed to benefit from them but today we thought we would try out the "no nap" plan.  We went up to the school to find out who Quin's new 2nd grade teacher would be and then played at the playground for two hours with friends and neighbors.  She didn't even fall asleep in the stroller on her first stroller outing (we have only carried her for as recommended for attachment but the stroller seemed like fun for today). 

She was a bit cranky before dinner.  Her dolly didn't like any of the dress options that Minlan offered her.  Minlan ended up telling off the dolly.  It was very mild but definitely a new negative way of expressing herself.  Then, at the dinner table, she pulled a Quin. The eyelids started fluttering closed, the food was waving in front of her face and dangerously close to the eyes instead of anywhere near her mouth, and then she rested her little chin in her hand on the edge of the plate and fell fast asleep.  The boys laughed hysterically through the whole process and this didn't even keep her up.  We told them that it was the exact trick that Quin pulled twice at the age of 3-4 and once he even fell right off of his chair without waking up. 

So, we took Minlan up to bed at 6PM.  She slept until 6:45 and woke up furious with the whole situation.  She was still so exhausted but also didn't want to be sleeping.  She was calmed easily but then unhappy with everything because she couldn't figure out what to do with her tired self.  I decided it was time for jammies and it was like dressing a wriggling sea cucumber on the floor.  Once she realized that I had said we weren't going to bed yet, she was dressing and then going downstairs, she settled down into a miserable but silent lump of girl.  Sitting upright, but doing absolutely nothing.  "No, I'm not ready for bed yet. "  Oh, really now...

Each day brings new joys and new challenges.  I think I am getting used to having no control over the day, getting nothing done, and interpreting the needs of three children adjusting to their new situation.  Am I totally in love with all of them?  Yes!  Am I thrilled to be a new parent?  Yes!  Is it wiping me out a bit?  Absolutely.  But that is why I took time off.  A bright future is ahead but there is much slogging to be done along the way.  Thom is so patient with Minlan and we are both working very hard to keep things together and help get the boys off to a successful year in 2nd and 4th grades.  They start in 4 days and had gotten a bit untrained by having a completely unstructured month.  Not to mention having to share their parents with their new 3 year old sister who is developing her trust in our family and needs to be with all four of us all the time for now.  They are superstar brothers and share their life so willingly with their little sister.  The other day, one of them said that she was so cute and wonderful that they wanted another.  Why couldn't they have two little sisters?  I told them that they should enjoy the one they have.  She is a precious gift of a person and all five are working hard to adapt.  Successfully, I must say, but not without tremendous effort as one does with every new child.

Speaking of effort, we have another new family member.  Dear Auntie Masha, in Moldova, delivered her son Alexander Passec on August 17th.  We got to see him via Skype today and he, Mommy, and Babushka are all doing great.  He was born 20 minutes after arriving at the birth center.  Wow, Masha!  He is sleeping and eating well for Mommy and is an adorable little punkin.  When I have photos to share of Alexander, I will send them.

For now, enjoy Daddy's stylin' grocery helper (she was tapping on the car to tell him she wanted to help bring in the groceries).  The next costume she put on herself.  Little Red Riding Hood or very feminine Ewok?  You decide.  She had a blast in this and loves to dress up.  She is now a true 4T and we are only buying 5T now.  She will be in them soon.  She eats so well.  We are going through much more food and even had to buy more plates to accommodate having 5 at home all day.